Black Cherry (also known as Rum Cherry or Mountain Black Cherry)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus serotina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Prunus serotina
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Oblanceolate to elliptical with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, which falls well within the typical species range of 2 to 6 inches long.
Margin
Finely serrate (toothed) with distinctive tiny, curved inward teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface with a slightly paler underside; prominent tiny reddish-brown glands are often visible along the lower midrib or petiole.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent midrib and secondary veins branching at regular intervals
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) and somewhat lustrous on the upper surface, paler and slightly textured below.
Description
Prunus serotina is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes. It produces lovely dangling racemes of white flowers in spring followed by astringent dark red to black cherries consumed by wildlife.
Key Features
Finely serrated leaf margins, prominent reddish-brown hair-like glands along the lower midrib, and characteristic dark scaly bark on mature trees.
Habitat
Found in mixed hardwood forests, along fence rows, forest edges, and disturbed areas. Prefers moist, well-draining soils and full to partial sun.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down through the eastern and central United States to Texas and Florida.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy, vibrant green, and intact, with an overall health grade of Good.
Interesting Facts
The wood of the Black Cherry is highly prized in fine cabinetry and woodworking due to its rich reddish-brown color and fine grain. The leaves and twigs contain compounds that release hydrogen cyanide when wilted, making them potentially toxic to livestock.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in herbal medicine as a cough suppressant and sedative via bark infusions. The wood is extremely valuable for furniture. The fruits are used to make jellies, jams, and cherry bounce liqueur.
Ecological Role
An ecologically vital keystone species supporting hundreds of species of butterfly and moth caterpillars. The fruits are a primary food source for numerous birds and mammals.
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), which has a more abruptly pointed leaf tip and sharper serrations, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), which has narrower, more oblong-lanceolate leaves with a glossy finish.
Foraging Tips
Look for alternate simple leaves with tiny rounded teeth and check the base of the leaf blade for small reddish glands near the stem. Best identified in spring by its drooping white flower clusters.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Wilted leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides which release hydrogen cyanide when ingested by livestock or pets, though mature ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption (pits should not be chewed or swallowed).
Notes
Found in my rare pile of leafs